French President Emmanuel Macron made an important announcement on Tuesday, saying that the nation will modernise one of the country’s main air bases so it can be capable of hosting nuclear weapons.
France will also deploy 40 new F-5 standard Rafale fighter jets at the airbase. Emmanuel Macron wrote on X, “By 2035, Luxeuil will be the first base to host the next version of the Rafale and its hypersonic nuclear missile. Luxeuil will continue its long history in the service of our deterrence, the heart of our defense.”
The air base will also host ASN4G air-launched hypersonic nuclear missiles. Ever since the United States changed its stance on the Ukraine war, apprehension soared among the European countries, and France’s initiative is seen as making combat-ready if a situation evolves.
France will invest €1.5 billion by 2035, and it will increase the number of staff to 2000.
The French President said it is essential to equip them with nuclear deterrent facilities and get the nation ready if they needed to avoid war.
Macron also said that France will back Ukraine in its war against Russia. On March 14, Macron called on Russia to accept the US-brokered proposal for an interim 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, emphasizing that “atrocities must stop.”
Macron criticized Russia for its “delaying statements” on the proposed deal following his discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy and UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer.
